Tord Gustavsen’s second ECM album “The Ground” soared up to number 8 on the Billboard chart this week, closely followed by Charles Lloyd’s “Jumping the creek” which is at number 11. Thus these artists find themselves, in this context, in the company of Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr. and David Sanborn. These successes are perhaps testimony to the extensive roadwork that the Gustavsen Trio and the Lloyd quartet have been putting in in recent months. Lloyd’s energetic concert activity has also brought his album with Billy Higgins, “Which Way is East”, back into the Billboard Charts. It’s at number 50.
Both the Norwegian pianist and the saxophonist from Memphis, Tennessee, continue to tour widely. Tord, just back from Japan, is currently touring the U.S., and Charles, after a triumphant return to Estonia, scene of his historic 1960s concerts, is on his way to the Far East. For full details consult the tour pages.